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Here comes the sun DOST offices go green

Solar panels now give power to office buildings of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a move to put forward DOST's commitment to promote renewable, clean, and green energy resources.

Partnering with DOST in this latest development is the Philippine National Oil Company Renewables Corporation (PNOC-RC)which encourages all government offices, agencies and departments in Metro Manila to adopt solar power as an alternative source of energy and to use green technology to protect the environment.

"We welcome this partnership with the PNOC Renewables Corporation because we can really do something with renewable energy so that we are less dependent on traditional sources and this is a conquering step towards relying on other sources of energy," said DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo.

PNOC RC handled the installation of a 100kw Solar Photovoltaic Facility at the rooftop of the DOST Central Office Building, the Science Heritage Building, and other designated buildings within the DOST Compound in Taguig City.

According to the PNOC RC, DOST is the second government institution to adopt solar power energy, next to the Philippine Heart Center. The installations will run for 15 years, the length of the cooperation period which will end with DOST fully owning the panels.

"With this program we aspire to assist the energy needs of our country and with the partnership with DOST we can leverage our projects since DOST is deep in research and development in our aim to promote inclusive growth," said PNOC RC President and CEO Carlos Jose P. Gatmaitan.

According to Montejo, this partnership will help address the needs of Filipinos especially the poorest of the poor who will enjoy the benefits of this program such as lessening the cost of electricity. It will also help in protecting our environment because of green technology.

"I really love this program and I appreciate the benefits it brings," said Montejo. "This partnership will be a showcase and we intend to duplicate it in our other offices and even in our Pisay campuses."